Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a dynamic process of vision, change and innovation. Learn how to build entrepreneurial skills within your chosen degree program while enhancing your career success in any industry.

Entrepreneurship powers the American and global economy and is focused on opportunity recognition, creativity and innovation, and new venture creation. This fast-growing field gives students the knowledge and skills to turn their ideas into reality.

Curriculum

Developing knowledge and skills

Kansas State University entrepreneurship students will develop the necessary skills to make innovative ideas become a reality, specifically by:

Developing an understanding of the entrepreneurial process, from idea generation to the implementation of a new business or social venture.

Gaining the ability to identify, research and analyze potential markets that would enhance value and profitability.

Developing an understanding of the concept of risk and how its effect on new ventures can be minimized.

Demonstrating the capacity to identify and acquire the resources needed for the creation and implementation of a new venture.

Professional options

Traditional entrepreneurship: Start a new for-profit venture.

Franchising: Operate the right to distribute a company's products, techniques and trademarks for a percentage of gross monthly sales and a royalty fee.

Family business: Start or continue a family-owned and operated business.

Social entrepreneurship: Start new or develop a company with a social mission as its primary purpose.

Corporate entrepreneurship: Develop new operations or products for existing corporations.

Business coach: Advise owners of small and medium-sized businesses to improve their sales, marketing, management and team building by providing guidance, support and encouragement.

Commercial banker: Work for banks or other financial institutions specializing in the lending, deposit and other financial needs of businesses.

Business analyst: Work within existing organizations to help identify, analyze and pursue new markets, new products or new business opportunities.

Consultant: Engage with multiple and changing clients as an expert or professional in a specific field with a wide knowledge of the subject matter.

Economic developer: Improve the economic well-being and quality of life for a community by creating and retaining jobs, and by supporting or growing income and the tax base.

Small business development specialist: Assist small business owners with the improvement of business practices in such areas as strategy, accounting, marketing, management, finance, operations, human resources and technical needs.

Small business executive: Work on the organization and logistics of managing a small business.

Venture capitalist: Make investments into new ventures and bring managerial and technical expertise, as well as capital, to their investments.